Camera assembly for a mobile communication device

ABSTRACT

A camera assembly for a mobile communication device comprises a camera and a case adapted to accommodate the camera. The case is adapted to elastically support the camera with the elastic support being biased in one direction. The camera assembly is adapted for slidably drawing the camera in the case against the elastic support bias. The camera assembly is also adapted for slidably drawing the camera out of the case under the elastic support bias.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a), this application claims thebenefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2003-0027785, filed on Apr. 30, 2003, the contents ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to mobile communicationdevices and more particularly to a camera assembly for a mobilecommunication device.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Some mobile communication devices may be classified according tocamera mounting position, such as, for example, a body mounted type, afoldable cover mounted type, or a hinge mounted type. The latter typetypically allows a relatively wide camera-viewing angle. The term“mobile communication devices” may comprise mobile telephones, cellulartelephones, personal communication systems (PCS), personal dataassistants (PDA), laptop computers, and any other devices capable ofwireless communication.

[0006] As schematically shown in FIGS. 1-2, a conventional mobilecommunication device 20 comprises a main body 22, a foldable cover 24adapted to rotate relative to main body 22 via a hinge portion 26, and acamera assembly 28 coupled to hinge portion 26. Camera assembly 28includes a camera lens 30 mounted on a front portion and a knob 32mounted on a side portion thereof.

[0007] Camera lens 30 is always exposed to the outside world. This typeof exposure allows foreign matter, such as dust particles and the like,to be deposited on its outer surface. Dust particle deposits contributeto deterioration in photographic quality. In addition, camera lens 30may be easily damaged by an accidental external impact.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a cameraassembly for a mobile communication device comprises a camera, a caseadapted to accommodate the camera, means for elastically supporting thecamera within the case, wherein the elastic means is biased in onedirection, and means for slidably drawing the camera in the case againstthe bias of the elastic means and out of the case under the bias of theelastic means.

[0009] The elastic means includes at least one spring. The slidabledrawing means includes at least one pawl coupled to an inner surface ofthe case, and at least one guiding groove formed on an outer surface ofthe camera and adapted to slidably engage the pawl in at least onelocation. The pawl is elastically coupled to the inner surface of thecase. The guiding groove is equipped with at least one ratchetindentation adapted to engage the pawl in at least one location. Theguiding groove may be oval-shaped.

[0010] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, theguiding groove is equipped with first, second and third ratchetindentations adapted to successively engage the pawl in respectivelocations. The camera may be used in photographic mode when the pawl isengaged by the second ratchet indentation. The camera is fully drawn inthe case when the pawl is engaged by the first ratchet indentation.

[0011] The camera is being drawn out of the case when the pawl is beingmoved from a position of engagement with the first ratchet indentationtoward a position of engagement with the second ratchet indentation byway of the third ratchet indentation. The camera is being drawn in thecase when the pawl is being moved from a position of engagement with thesecond ratchet indentation toward a position of engagement with thefirst ratchet indentation. The camera is being drawn out of the caseunder the bias of the elastic means. The camera is being drawn in thecase against the bias of the elastic means.

[0012] The camera includes at least one camera lens. The camera furtherincludes at least one knob for pushing the camera against the bias ofthe elastic means. The first, second and third ratchet indentations areoperatively disposed on the guiding groove. The guiding groove may beoval-shaped. The elastic means includes at least one spring. The pawl iselastically coupled to the inner surface of the case.

[0013] These and other aspects of the present invention will becomeapparent from a review of the accompanying drawings and the followingdetailed description of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The present invention is generally shown by way of reference tothe accompanying drawings as follows.

[0015]FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a conventional mobilecommunication device having a hinge-mounted camera assembly and afoldable cover in a closed state.

[0016]FIG. 2 partially illustrates the camera assembly of FIG. 1.

[0017]FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a mobile communication devicehaving a hinge-mounted camera assembly and a foldable cover in a closedstate in accordance with the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 4 is a partial cut away perspective view of the cameraassembly of FIG. 3.

[0019]FIG. 5 is a plan view of the camera assembly of FIG. 4.

[0020]FIG. 6 is another partial cut away perspective view of the cameraassembly of FIG. 3.

[0021]FIG. 7 is a plan view of the camera assembly of FIG. 6.

[0022]FIG. 8 is a partial cut away perspective view of the cameraassembly of FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0023]FIG. 9 is a partial cut away perspective view of the cameraassembly of FIG. 3 in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0024]FIG. 10 is a partial cut away perspective view of the cameraassembly of FIG. 3 in accordance with still another embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Some embodiments of the present invention will be described indetail with reference to the related drawings of FIGS. 1-10. Additionalembodiments, features and/or advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from the ensuing description or may be learned by practicingthe invention.

[0026] In the figures, the drawings are not to scale with like numeralsreferring to like features throughout both the drawings and thedescription.

[0027] The following description includes the best mode presentlycontemplated for carrying out the invention. This description is not tobe taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose ofdescribing the general principles of the invention.

[0028]FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a mobile communication device(MCD) 30 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. MCD 30 generally comprises a main body 32, a foldable cover34 adapted to rotate relative to main body 32 via a hinge portion 36,and a camera assembly 100 coupled to hinge portion 36. Camera assembly100 comprises a camera 130, and a camera case 110 adapted to removablyaccommodate camera 130. Camera 130 is elastically supported withincamera case 110 via spring 140. Other means of elastic camera supportmay be used in accordance with the general principles of the presentinvention.

[0029] Camera 130 comprises a camera lens 131 mounted on a front portion129 and a knob 132 mounted on a side portion thereof. Camera 130 isadapted to slide in/out of camera case 110, as generally illustrated bydirectional arrows 200, 202 of FIGS. 8, 10, respectively. Camera 130 isprovided with a generally oval-shaped guiding groove 120 formed on anouter surface 119 thereof. Camera case 110 includes a respective pawl150 adapted to slidably engage guiding groove 120 within interior space111, as generally depicted in reference to FIGS. 4, 6, 8-10. Pawl 150 iselastically coupled to an inner surface 113 of camera case 110 viaspring 151, as generally shown in FIGS. 5, 7. Spring 151 is biasedgenerally toward the outer surface of guiding groove 120.

[0030] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, guiding groove 120 is equipped with a series of ratchetindentations, such as first, second and third indentations 121, 122 and123, respectively, as generally illustrated in reference to FIGS. 4, 6,8-10. Each ratchet indentation (121, 122, 123) is adapted to engage andprevent pawl 150 from sliding within groove 120 in more than onedirection. For example, first, second and third ratchet indentations121, 122 and 123 may be adapted to successively engage pawl 150 as itslides within guiding groove 120 in a counterclockwise direction. Inthis case, first, second and third ratchet indentations 121, 122 and 123are configured to prevent pawl movement in the reverse (clockwise)direction. Other pawl movement variations may be utilized, provided suchother variations do not depart from the intended scope and spirit of thepresent invention.

[0031] Assuming pawl 150 is initially engaged by second ratchetindentation 122, a user pushing on knob 132 in the general direction ofarrow 200 (FIG. 8) would cause pawl 150 to slide counterclockwise withinguiding groove 120 toward first ratchet indentation 121, as generallyshown by directional arrow 153 of FIG. 8. In this case, the user ispushing the body of camera 130 against the bias of spring 140 with thespring bias generally depicted by directional arrow 141 of FIG. 8. Aspawl 150 moves from its initial position, as generally shown in FIG. 8,to an intermediate position defined by pawl 150 being engaged by firstindentation 121, as generally shown in FIG. 9, the body of camera 130rotates accordingly about its longitudinal axis, as generallyillustrated by rotational arrow 170 of FIG. 9.

[0032] In the intermediate pawl position, camera 130 is fully insertedin camera case 110 with first ratchet indentation 121 and pawl 150 beingsecurely engaged against the bias of spring 140, as generally shown inFIG. 9. The initial pawl position may be used by the user to shootpictures as camera lens 131 is exposed, i.e. not covered by camera case110.

[0033] With camera 130 fully inserted in case 110, a user slightlypressing on knob 132 in the general direction of arrow 200 (FIG. 8)would cause pawl 150 to slide into third ratchet indentation 123. Thirdratchet indentation 123 is configured to allow pawl 150 to slidecounterclockwise toward second ratchet indentation 122 under the bias ofspring 140, as generally shown by arrow 155 of FIG. 9, in the absence ofa force acting in reverse, such as from a user pushing on knob 132. Aspawl 150 moves from first ratchet indentation 121 to second ratchetindentation 122 counterclockwise by way of third ratchet indentation,camera 130 is being drawn out of camera case 110 in the generaldirection of arrow 202 of FIG. 9. As camera 130 is being drawn out ofcase 110, the body of camera 130 rotates accordingly about itslongitudinal axis, as generally illustrated by rotational arrow 172 ofFIG. 9.

[0034] A person skilled in the art would readily appreciate thatproviding an integral case for a mobile communication device camera aswell as means for slidably drawing the camera in/out of the case isadvantageous over known devices in that the user can keep the cameraclean from foreign matter and preserve photographic quality.

[0035] All terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible mannerconsistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and“comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components,or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referencedelements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combinedwith other elements, components, or steps that are not expresslyreferenced.

[0036] While the present invention has been described in detail withregards to several embodiments, it should be appreciated that variousmodifications and variations may be made in the present inventionwithout departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In thisregard it is important to note that practicing the invention is notlimited to the applications described hereinabove.

[0037] Many other applications and/or alterations may be utilizedprovided that such other applications and/or alterations do not deviatefrom the intended purpose of the present invention. For example, theshape of the guiding groove may be varied, as needed. Furthermore, thenumber of ratchet indentations as well as the configuration of eachindentation may be varied. Also, features illustrated or described aspart of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment to provide yetanother embodiment such that the features are not limited to theembodiments described above. Thus, it is intended that the presentinvention cover all such embodiments and variations as long as suchembodiments and variations come within the scope of the appended claimsand their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A camera assembly for a mobile communicationdevice, comprising: a camera; a case adapted to accommodate said camera;means for elastically supporting said camera within said case, saidelastic means being biased in one direction; and means for slidablydrawing said camera in said case against the bias of said elastic meansand out of said case under the bias of said elastic means.
 2. The cameraassembly of claim 1, wherein said elastic means includes at least onespring.
 3. The camera assembly of claim 1, wherein said slidable drawingmeans includes at least one pawl coupled to an inner surface of saidcase, and at least one guiding groove formed on an outer surface of saidcamera and adapted to slidably engage said at least one pawl in at leastone location.
 4. The camera assembly of claim 3, wherein said at leastone pawl is elastically coupled to said inner surface of said case. 5.The camera assembly of claim 3, wherein said at least one guiding grooveis equipped with at least one ratchet indentation adapted to engage saidat least one pawl in at least one location.
 6. The camera assembly ofclaim 5, wherein said at least one guiding groove is oval-shaped.
 7. Thecamera assembly of claim 1, wherein said slidable drawing means includesat least one pawl coupled to an inner surface of said case, and at leastone guiding groove formed on an outer surface of said camera, said atleast one guiding groove being equipped with first, second and thirdratchet indentations adapted to successively engage said at least onepawl in respective locations.
 8. The camera assembly of claim 7, whereinsaid camera is used in photographic mode when said at least one pawl isengaged by said second ratchet indentation.
 9. The camera assembly ofclaim 7, wherein said camera is fully drawn in said case when said atleast one pawl is engaged by said first ratchet indentation.
 10. Thecamera assembly of claim 7, wherein said camera is being drawn out ofsaid case when said at least one pawl is being moved from a position ofengagement with said first ratchet indentation toward a position ofengagement with said second ratchet indentation by way of said thirdratchet indentation.
 11. The camera assembly of claim 7, wherein saidcamera is being drawn in said case when said at least one pawl is beingmoved from a position of engagement with said second ratchet indentationtoward a position of engagement with said first ratchet indentation. 12.The camera assembly of claim 10, wherein said camera is being drawn outof said case under the bias of said elastic means.
 13. The cameraassembly of claim 11, wherein said camera is being drawn in said caseagainst the bias of said elastic means.
 14. The camera assembly of claim12, wherein said camera includes at least one camera lens.
 15. Thecamera assembly of claim 13, wherein said camera includes at least onecamera lens.
 16. The camera assembly of claim 14, wherein said camerafurther includes at least one knob for pushing said camera against thebias of said elastic means.
 17. The camera assembly of claim 15, whereinsaid camera further includes at least one knob for pushing said cameraagainst the bias of said elastic means.
 18. The camera assembly of claim16, wherein said first, second and third ratchet indentations areoperatively disposed on said at least one guiding groove.
 19. The cameraassembly of claim 17, wherein said first, second and third ratchetindentations are operatively disposed on said at least one guidinggroove.
 20. The camera assembly of claim 7, wherein said at least oneguiding groove is oval-shaped.
 21. The camera assembly of claim 7,wherein said elastic means includes at least one spring.
 22. The cameraassembly of claim 7, wherein said at least one pawl is elasticallycoupled to said inner surface of said case.